~ a sometimes intrepid exploration of a virtual world

Somewhere on the Mainland

Doesn’t this look inviting? These pictures were cropped–nothing else was changed.

After two and a half years in Second Life, I’ve become more aware of the mainland and it’s opened up a whole new virtual world for me. I’ve loved exploring it and I’m going to be blogging about that more, whether or not anyone else is interested.

People leave virtual reality all the time, for various reasons and I’ve just come through a period where I’ve questioned staying. Much of what I dislike there, as well as in the world of blogging, are things I don’t care for in my culture.

There are better things for me to do than write cranky, critical posts that no one cares about, so where was I going to go? What can I take pictures of and write about?

Three things I value–sustainability, community and creativity–are things I’ve seen on the mainland.

I’ll still enjoy the showcase places that are so well covered, of course. I’m going to quit explaining it now and just do it.

It’s a semi-private space that people aren’t prevented from wandering into although these sort of places aren’t really promoted. Actually I don’t remember where it is because I’ve spent a lot of time travelling the roads, tracks and waterways, which has been a real eye-opener for me.

Some of the mainland IS weird, ugly and empty but it’s way better than the rumors and dismissals I’ve heard about it. There are old-timers that have been around for 7 and 8 years, doing interesting things. I’m finding it curiously delightful.

I can begin to provide some SLurls to spots in the road and folks can use their good judgement to explore the nearby area. And I’m really working on my cranky and critical viewpoints, seeing them as simply information for me, then finding a way to focus on other aspects in a more positive and objective way. Yeah, that’s some work but the actual draining part is in explaining/arguing.

I’m aware people are crazy busy, love shopping and making sure they get to see the showcase places and that’s fine. For them. But I need more if I’m to stay here.

It’s been a difficult winter for most of the northern hemisphere and I’m hoping people’s moods will improve soon. I’m cautiously optimistic about the new CEO of LL too.

Lately I’ve heard about more people giving up on social life in SL and also being frustrated about their shops and clubs. If I have to be a loner in SL that’s fine with me. I meet people who are OK for a while and then it’s like…..”Oh no! They’re insane too!” lol Maybe SL isn’t all they have but it’s where they go to punish people for all they don’t like about their lives.

I think I’ve mentioned before that your being light and positive is one of the things I like about your blog posts. Keep showing us the fashion. 🙂

Seri spent her first year or so literally walking around the Mainland. She saw tons of amazing things and places. Tons and tons. I have folders full of her adventures. Most of it seems to be gone now, but perhaps it’s been replaced by more cool stuff.

There’s no longer tons of stuff but it’s worth visiting. Riding the yavascript transformers makes it easier because I can multi-task more and hop off the ride when I see something I want to explore further.